UFC on Fuel TV 9 Staff Predictions

After all the drama of Alexander Gustafsson’s cut unfolded, I initially thought that UFC on Fuel TV 9 would be one of the weakest UFC cards in recent memory, at least on paper. But taking a deeper look at things was perhaps cause for a more positive attitude, as Ilir Latifi might be one of the better stories we’ve heard about. He’s been calm and thankful for the opportunity in his pre-fight interviews. And let’s not forget that Latifi is a Swedish wrestling champion, and that would be the one skill I’d want to win this particular bout. Gegard Mousasi is a world-class striker, but if he’s had any weakness, it’s takedown defense. Let’s not forget that neither fighter has yet to step into the UFC Octagon. So, it’s been a wild week and this one’s for you, Anton. Ilir Latifi shocks the world with a grinding split decision.

Rory Kernaghan:

I personally am going to have to go with a pretty straightforward prediction for the main event. I don’t feel like Ilir Latifi has faced enough high-level competition to deal with a guy like Gegard Mousasi. Mousasi has a solid ground game, good wrestling and holds a 5-0 record in kickboxing. Although, I’m not sure if stand up will even be a factor here as I think Mousasi will ground the Swede and look to do damage from the top position. There is always a possibility of Latifi landing a bomb and, although Mousasi has never been KO’d, I’ve learnt to never count anyone out. All that being said, it is a cut-and-dry TKO for Mousasi in the 1st in my opinion. Bring on UFC On Fox 7!

Bryan Fontez:

I won’t even pretend to know a single thing about Ilir Latifi, simply because I didn’t until this week. With that said, I love underdogs and the mystery of a completely unknown fighter, both of which make this fight fairly intriguing. A quick search will tell you that Latifi is 7-2 against a handful of nobodies, although he DID go 3 full rounds with current Bellator tournament champion Emmanuel Newton, which has to count for something. Upon watching a few of his fights I’ll also say that not only does he appear to be fairly durable, but he’s got some solid wrestling and ground n’ pound. Latifi’s grappling is high level enough that if he closes the distance and nails the timing in this fight, he could technically negate Gegard’s standup entirely and grind out an ugly/close fight. In fact I think that’s what we’ll see happen. I don’t see Latifi winning, but I see this being much closer than most expect, with Mousasi squeaking out a close but unimpressive unanimous decision.

http://lowkickmma.com/members/KeithFarrell/ KeithFarrell

Drahota must have some baggy shorts, if you know what I mean.

I wasn't really giving Mousasi much of a chance against Gus but that speaks to how much I think of Gus rather than me not believing in Mousasi.

This should be a pretty easy win for Mousasi but how little known about Latifi could be leading us all, including Gegard, in to a false sense of security.

The upset is always there, especially with this being a 3 round fight instead of 5, but I struggle to see this not ending up with Mousasi getting a TKO (G&P from mount) or sub (RNC).

http://lowkickmma.com/members/Bryan-Fontez/ Bryan Fontez

Honestly… Mousasi needs to drop to middleweight he's way to small for 205, he looks like he cuts no weight. The guy could probably even make Welterweight if he wanted to.

http://lowkickmma.com/members/Enjoylife321/ enjoylife321

If only Anton was here to amuse us all.

http://lowkickmma.com/members/Akordas/ Akordas

Wtf? Latif 100% can't win by decision. For human being its impossible to go 15 minutes hard work unprepared. Its science…

http://lowkickmma.com/members/Bryan-Fontez/ Bryan Fontez

Don't underestimate Latifi's conditioning. The guy has been helping Gustafsson train for this fight, meaning he has to be in good enough condition to go a few solid rounds with him throughout the day.

I honestly don't see the conditioning being as lopsided as most would think.

http://lowkickmma.com/members/Odesahitman/ odesahitman

@Akordas,

If Latifi and his team don't think he can go the 15 minutes and you are probably right, then it will be a very uncomfortable opening round for Mousasi.

I believe you will see Litifi fight in explosive bursts and then run until he regains his composure. The key for Mousasi is to chase latifi down when he is recovering. The key for Latifi is to finish Mousasi in 20 second bursts of take down – ground and pound – recover.